A BI-MONTHLY SERIES EXPLORING PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
Overview
This online interaction is part of the post-Eleventh Pan-Commonwealth Forum (PCF11) webinar series under the sub-theme “Gender, technology and innovation in open education.” This webinar presents research on gender gaps in online learning, improving practicum assessment in TVET, and inclusive offline digital learning, offering insights to strengthen equity and effectiveness in open and distance learning.
When: 29 January 2026
- Vancouver, Canada (UTC-8): 8:00-9:00 AM
- Jamaica (UTC-5): 11:00-12:00 AM
- Malawi (UTC+2): 6:00-7:00 PM
- Kenya (UTC+3): 7:00-8:00 PM
Click here to find your local time.
Agenda (60 min):
- Welcome and context (COL) – 5 min
- Presentations (three presenters, 10 min each)
- Reflection (COL) – 5 min
- Q&A – 20 min
To register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5G58Ff5zSr6BdHNgizCwzA
Speakers
Dr Catherine Kagucia
Paper title: Challenges and Opportunities due to Gender Disparities in Online Learning at the Open University of Kenya
Catherine Kagucia is the Acting Registrar (Academic Affairs) at the Open University of Kenya and a Human Resource Management expert with over 16 years of experience in university administration. Dr Kagucia is a champion for gender-responsive leadership and inclusive education. She is committed to creating equitable, transformative learning experiences and shaping progressive online education for a diverse academic community.
Beverly Coke and Dr Devon Crossfield
Paper title: Enhancing Online Practicum Assessment: Addressing the Challenges of Evaluating Practical Competencies in TVET
Beverly Coke, Head of Department at the Vocational Training Development Institute, Jamaica, has over 26 years of experience in education. She holds degrees in Workforce Education and Development and English and is currently completing a PhD in Education. Her areas of expertise include TVET professional development, workforce readiness, and educational leadership.
Devon Crossfield has over 25 years of experience in education at all levels, and holds a PhD in Educational Administration and an MPH in Medical Epidemiology. He serves as Director of Institutional Development, Partnership, and Research at the Vocational Training Development Institute and actively participates in publications, professional organisations, and dissertation and thesis committees.
Joseph Chikaphonya Phiri and Dr Annie Chizengo-Thawani
Paper title: Offline Digital Learning for Inclusion: A Case Study of the MUBAS Offline ODeL Digital Library
Joseph Chikaphonya Phiri is an academic and technical leader in Electrical Engineering at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences. He is an invention education change champion. His interests lie in renewable energy systems and rural digital empowerment initiatives, aimed at bridging Malawi’s digital and energy divide.
Annie Tamara Chizengo–Thawani, PhD, is an educational leader and researcher specialised in ODeL, quality assurance, Training and curriculum. She is the Head of ODeL at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, a journal reviewer, DEASA ExCo member, and active scholar committed to inclusive and context-responsive higher education in Malawi.
